France: Bordeaux to La Rochelle

All you have to do is get to the airport. On our Air Packages, we’ll take care of the rest, handling all the logistics, so you can travel with peace of mind. Spend your first night aloft and arrive refreshed for an unforgettable trip.

Start off your first day in Bordeaux right by having a VBT representative greet you at the airport. A complimentary car service will whisk you to your centrally located hotel. From here, you are perfectly positioned to explore this charming city at your leisure.

Meet your VBT representative/driver at the hotel in Bordeaux at 12:30 p.m. for a departure at 1:00 p.m. You will travel by motorcoach (approximately two hours) to La Villa Ouest Hotel and Spa. Please plan to buy lunch on your own beforehand. Please wear cycling clothes (and bring your own pedals and/or saddle in your day pack, if you brought your own) in preparation for the warm-up ride. La Villa Ouest check-in time is 3:00 p.m., and your room may not be ready before the warm-up ride.

La Villa Ouest is a welcoming, three-star, family-run boutique hotel in the heart of Saint-Palais-sur-Mer. Just steps away from the ocean, this quiet coastal retreat is a perfect place to relax and unwind. In the afternoon, you’ll join your trip leaders for a safety and bike-fitting session, followed by a short warm-up ride along quiet country roads. Later, gather with the group for a welcome cocktail at the hotel. Dinner is at a local restaurant nearby.

Today’s Ride Choices

Afternoon Warm-up — 7 km (4 miles)

What to Expect: Take an easy loop ride toward Plage de la Grande Cote and back to your hotel through quiet residential streets. Except for one moderate hill, the route is mostly flat. The mileage is short, but you can extend it if you wish by cycling to La Grande Côte, a beautiful and famous beach, passing seafood cafés and terraces along the way.

Cumulative Distance Range: 7 km (4 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Your morning begins with a spin along La Vélodyssée, a bike route known for its unspoiled landscapes. Your route follows a coastline called La Côte de Beauté, or beautiful coast. This estuary, where the Gironde river flows into the Atlantic Ocean, is the largest in Europe.

As you enter Royan, you’ll see a memorial to the heroes of the Frankton Operation of World War II. In December 1942, an officer of the British Royal Marines and 11 volunteers from this elite corps carried out a commando raid against German ships in Bordeaux, paddling upriver at night from Royan to Bordeaux. Only two survived.

From Royan, you’ll follow another scenic coastal route, Canal des 2 Mers, to Meschers-sur-Gironde. Once a sleepy fishing village, Meschers-sur-Gironde is now a pretty resort town set between forest and the sea. Here, you’ll have a chance to explore the Caves of Matata—troglodyte caves cut into chalky limestone outcroppings that, through history, have sheltered pirates, plunderers, and Protestant refugees.

From here, you’ll pedal along the ocean to Talmont-sur-Gironde, a lovely and well-preserved village founded in 1284. Today, the village is recognized as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France.” Admire the 12th-century Church of Sainte-Radegonde, whose Romanesque façade defines the skyline, stroll narrow streets lined with charming white houses adorned with roses and hollyhocks. Here, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Afterward, cycle or shuttle back to your hotel, where you can relax at the spa, go swimming in the ocean at a nearby beach, or take a coastal walk into the charming town.

Tonight, stroll to a nearby restaurant for dinner on your own.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning Saint-Palais-sur-Mer to Talmont-sur-Gironde — 28 km (17 miles)

Afternoon Talamont-sur-Gironde to hotel — 29 km (18 miles)

What to Expect: Today’s route is almost entirely on paved roads with some car traffic. From the hotel to Royan, you will ride the La Vélodyssée bike route for 9 km (5 miles), then roll along the Canal des 2 Mers for 20 km (12 miles) to Talmont-sur-Gironde. Please note that, when the path is on a sidewalk shared with pedestrians, the pedestrians always have the right of way. Also, be sure to check for traffic and pedestrians at intersections and be mindful of curbs.The support vehicle is available to shuttle back to the hotel if you prefer to pass on the afternoon ride.

Cumulative Distance Range: 28 – 57 km (17 – 35 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, you’ll say goodbye to your charming hosts at La Villa Ouest and ride La Vélodyssée bike route through countryside and thick pine forest and along the Atlantic coast. The oysters and mussels that abound in the waters off this coast are world-renowned for their quality. View marshes and oyster farms as you spin toward La Tremblade and enjoy a lunch on your own showcasing these delicious shellfish.

Next, discover Brouage, where the ramparts of Cardinal Richelieu’s citadel still stand, overlooking what once was a thriving harbor. The harbor silted up during the 17th century, however, desolating the village below. Today, it is a peaceful community of villagers cultivating the mussel beds. Brouage is also famous as the birthplace of Samuel de Champlain, the navigator who opened Quebec to settlement by the French.

Later, continue cycling to the Transporter Bridge, built between 1898 and 1900 by French engineer Ferdinand Arnodin or shuttle to the historic town of Rochefort. Founded as a naval base during the 17th century, Rochefort boasts a well-preserved Old Town with narrow streets, museums, galleries, boutiques, parks, and gardens—and the occasional costumed villager. Here, you’ll settle into your hotel. As you enjoy dinner at your hotel restaurant, you can gaze at passing boats on the Charente River.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning Saint-Palais-sur-Mer to La Tremblade — 33 km (21 miles)

Afternoon La Tremblade to Brouage — 18 km (11 miles) | Brouage to Rochefort — 22 km (13 miles)

What to Expect: This morning’s route is mostly very gently rolling terrain. Some sections along the Atlantic Ocean follow narrow paved bike paths and roads with some car traffic. You will cycle small roads through the marshes of the oyster-farm region of Marennes-Oléron.The ride from Brouage to the Transporter Bridge is on mostly flat rural roads with some gentle hills. Cross the Charente River on the bridge’s gondola with your bike and continue riding to your hotel along the marshes and banks of the Charente River.

Cumulative Distance Range: 18 – 73 km (11 – 45 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning enjoy a leisurely breakfast before you begin cycling to Fouras on sections of La Vélodyssée and La Flow Vélo bike routes.

Spin along the Charente River and on country roads, passing canals, meadows, and villages en route to the charming seaside town of Fouras. Located on a small peninsula on the Charente-Maritime coast, Fouras attracts visitors for its beautiful beaches and pretty Belle Epoque villas. Here, you’ll find a lovely oceanfront promenade, beaches, a polygonal tower, a covered market, and boutiques. Explore this gem of a town at your leisure and enjoy lunch on your own.

After lunch, cycle back to Rochefort, where you’ll enjoy an included visit of Rochefort’s museum, la Corderie Royale, a 17th-century royal rope-making factory that was nearly destroyed during World War II. Today, it is a historic monument and International Centre of the Sea.

Dinner is at a local restaurant tonight.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning Rochefort to Fouras — 27 km (17 miles)

Afternoon Fouras to Rochefort — 20 km (12 miles)

What to Expect: Some sections of today’s route are unpaved. The morning ride traces the Charente River, then continues on flat, easy country roads to the town of Fouras. The afternoon route is similar with scenic variations.

Cumulative Distance Range: 20 – 47 km (12 – 29 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, leave Rochefort on your bicycle through small communes (villages) in the Charente-Maritime region reaching the shores of the Atlantic Ocean and the flora and fauna of the Marais d’Yves Nature Reserve. Pause along the Atlantic Ocean in Les Boucholeurs or Châtelaillon-Plage for lunch on your own.

After lunch, cycle along the ocean to the historic town of La Rochelle. Dating to the 10th century, this magnificent port town welcomes you with two iconic 14th-century towers and a harbor lined with elegant buildings. Today, the harbor serves as the yachting center of France’s Atlantic coast. Here, you’ll meet a local guide for a walking tour of the town. Take in panoramic views of the sea as you stroll its ancient ramparts, and explore the town’s winding cobblestone streets, medieval churches, and shops.

Then, rejoin your trip leaders for a shuttle or ride to Saint-Martin-de-Ré, which is notable for its star-shaped, 17th-century ramparts. This UNESCO World Heritage site, whose charming fortifications, half-timbered houses, colorful shutters, historic monuments, and donkeys in trousers are sure to captivate you.

Enjoy a short stroll through the cobbled streets to your hotel, where you may relax or sip a house cocktail. You may also arrange for a spa treatment (advance reservations recommended; contact the hotel directly) or reserve use of the counter-current pool, Jacuzzi, and sauna (service charge applies; 55-minute rental periods). Dinner is on your own tonight in Saint-Martin-de-Ré, where choices abound.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning Rochefort to Châtelaillon-Plage — 26 km (16 miles)

Afternoon Châtelaillon-Plage to La Rochelle — 17 km (10 miles) | La Rochelle to Saint-Martin-de Ré — 24 km (14 miles)

What to Expect: Enjoy country roads and coastal views for most of today’s ride. As you leave Rochefort, you’ll ride mostly on flat, paved roads, with a few stretches of cobblestone. Châtelaillon-Plage is a great place for lunch, with cafés, restaurants, a covered market, and stores. The afternoon ride is a mix of country roads and secondary roads. The ride from La Rochelle to Île de Ré offers beautiful views of the ocean and includes a 3-km (1.9-mile) bridge with a protected bike path on either side.

Cumulative Distance Range: 17 – 67 km (10 – 42 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast

During the 17th century, the Île de Ré was coveted by many for its position of military importance and its production of salt and wine, leaving a legacy of historic attractions and charming towns and villages that you can enjoy today. After a leisurely breakfast this morning, set off to explore the island. You’ll find that it was made for cycling! The island is flat, and its vineyards, pine forests and, at the more remote west end, oyster beds and salt marshes are crisscrossed with cycle paths that link its 10 small communities.

Start off your island excursion riding along the ocean and through the salt marshes. Pause in Ars-en-Ré for lunch in a local café. After lunch, continue to the youngest village on the island, Saint-Clément-des-Baleines. Salt, wine, and fishing are the longtime mainstays of the economy here. A cyclist paradise, the bike paths take you past dry stone walls and fields of colorful wildflowers, including hollyhocks – the flower of the island. As you ride you may catch a whiff of sulphur from the salt marshes. Highlights of the island include the 15th-century locks, the local market, and the Phare des Baleines lighthouse, which you are welcome to climb (257 steps) for sweeping Atlantic views. Then, follow the bike path and bike routes back to Saint-Martin. Climb the bell tower of Saint-Martin Church for one last glimpse of this stone star between land and sea, a UNESCO World Heritage site and part of the Network of Major Sites built by Vauban.

Tonight, gather with your travel mates to sip an aperitif as the sun sets behind the horizon. Then, celebrate your journey and share reminiscences over a festive farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning Saint-Martin to Ars-en-Ré — 21 km (13 miles)

Afternoon Ars-en-Ré to Le Phare — 12 km (7 miles) | Le Phare to Saint-Martin — 23 km (14 miles)

What to Expect: The entirety of today’s route follows flat terrain as you cycle to Saint-Clément-des-Baleines. It is a lovely, lovely ride mostly on paved bike paths–a real paradise for bicyclists. Then, cycle back to Saint-Martin on bike paths and routes.

Cumulative Distance Range: 12 – 55 km (7 – 34 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, travel by private motorcoach (approximately 45 minutes) to La Rochelle train station, arriving at approximately 10:44 a.m. Then, board a TGV train to Paris Gare de Montparnasse train station. Meet your VBT representative on the quay and walk to your centrally located Paris hotel, the Pullman Paris Montparnasse (we recommend a suitcase with wheels for ease of carrying) for a final overnight stay. You’ll arrive at approximately 1:37 p.m. and have the rest of the day to get acquainted with the city’s historic landmarks, shop, or relax in an outdoor café.

If you have chosen the independent Post-Trip Extension to Paris, you’ll remain at this hotel for the next two nights. Upon your arrival, your VBT Paris representative will be there to answer your questions. An optional orientation walking tour of the quartier will be offered. Check your VBT city information for additional optional tour options.

Included Meals: Breakfast

After an included breakfast this morning, complimentary transportation to the Paris airport will be provided (an approximately 45 to 60 minute drive, depending on traffic) for your departing flight.

Included Meals: Breakfast

: Meet your VBT representative/driver and the rest of your group at our hotel in Bordeaux (Mercure Bordeaux Cité Mondiale Centre Ville Hotel, 18 Parvis des Chartrons 20 quais des Chartrons, 33080 Bordeaux, France, phone +33 5 56 01 79 79) at 12:30 p.m. for a departure at 1:00 p.m. You will travel by motorcoach (approximately two hours) to La Villa Ouest Hotel and Spa in Saint-Palais-sur-Mer. Please plan to buy lunch on your own beforehand. Please wear cycling clothes (and bring your pedals and/or saddle in your day pack, if you brought your own with you) in preparation for the warm-up ride. La Villa Ouest check-in time is 3:00 p.m., and your room may not be ready before the warm-up ride.

If you arrive at our Bordeaux hotel later than 1:00 p.m. or if you would prefer to travel to La Villa Ouest Hotel and Spa independently, you must take a taxi at your own expense (approximately €250 /two hours). Please contact La Villa Ouest to advise of any travel delays or changes, and the staff will pass your message on to your VBT trip leaders. Contact the hotel if you need help getting a taxi. Alternatively, you may consult the SNCF website sncf.com/ for train schedules from the Bordeaux-Saint-Jean train station to the Royan, France, SNCF train station (approximately 2.5-hour train ride, then taxi from Royan to La Villa Ouest, 4 miles/7 km, €15-30). Please note that your train may arrive in Royan in the late afternoon, in which case you may miss the warm-up ride.

Today’s Ride Choices

Afternoon Warm-up — 7 km (4 miles)

What to Expect: Take an easy loop ride toward Plage de la Grande Cote and back to your hotel through quiet residential streets. Except for one moderate hill, the route is mostly flat. The mileage is short, but you can extend it if you wish by cycling to La Grande Côte, a beautiful and famous beach, passing seafood cafés and terraces along the way.

Cumulative Distance Range: 7 km (4 miles)

Included Meals: Dinner

Your morning begins with a spin along La Vélodyssée, a bike route known for its unspoiled landscapes. Your route follows a coastline called La Côte de Beauté, or beautiful coast. This estuary, where the Gironde river flows into the Atlantic Ocean, is the largest in Europe.

As you enter Royan, you’ll see a memorial to the heroes of the Frankton Operation of World War II. In December 1942, an officer of the British Royal Marines and 11 volunteers from this elite corps carried out a commando raid against German ships in Bordeaux, paddling upriver at night from Royan to Bordeaux. Only two survived.

From Royan, you’ll follow another scenic coastal route, Canal des 2 Mers, to Meschers-sur-Gironde. Once a sleepy fishing village, Meschers-sur-Gironde is now a pretty resort town set between forest and the sea. Here, you’ll have a chance to explore the Caves of Matata—troglodyte caves cut into chalky limestone outcroppings that, through history, have sheltered pirates, plunderers, and Protestant refugees.

From here, you’ll pedal along the ocean to Talmont-sur-Gironde, a lovely and well-preserved village founded in 1284. Today, the village is recognized as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France.” Admire the 12th-century Church of Sainte-Radegonde, whose Romanesque façade defines the skyline, stroll narrow streets lined with charming white houses adorned with roses and hollyhocks. Here, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Afterward, cycle or shuttle back to your hotel, where you can relax at the spa, go swimming in the ocean at a nearby beach, or take a coastal walk into the charming town.

Tonight, stroll to a nearby restaurant for dinner on your own.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning Saint-Palais-sur-Mer to Talmont-sur-Gironde — 28 km (17 miles)

Afternoon Talamont-sur-Gironde to hotel — 29 km (18 miles)

What to Expect: Today’s route is almost entirely on paved roads with some car traffic. From the hotel to Royan, you will ride the La Vélodyssée bike route for 9 km (5 miles), then roll along the Canal des 2 Mers for 20 km (12 miles) to Talmont-sur-Gironde. Please note that, when the path is on a sidewalk shared with pedestrians, the pedestrians always have the right of way. Also, be sure to check for traffic and pedestrians at intersections and be mindful of curbs.The support vehicle is available to shuttle back to the hotel if you prefer to pass on the afternoon ride.

Cumulative Distance Range: 28 – 57 km (17 – 35 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, you’ll say goodbye to your charming hosts at La Villa Ouest and ride La Vélodyssée bike route through countryside and thick pine forest and along the Atlantic coast. The oysters and mussels that abound in the waters off this coast are world-renowned for their quality. View marshes and oyster farms as you spin toward La Tremblade and enjoy a lunch on your own showcasing these delicious shellfish.

Next, discover Brouage, where the ramparts of Cardinal Richelieu’s citadel still stand, overlooking what once was a thriving harbor. The harbor silted up during the 17th century, however, desolating the village below. Today, it is a peaceful community of villagers cultivating the mussel beds. Brouage is also famous as the birthplace of Samuel de Champlain, the navigator who opened Quebec to settlement by the French.

Later, continue cycling to the Transporter Bridge, built between 1898 and 1900 by French engineer Ferdinand Arnodin or shuttle to the historic town of Rochefort. Founded as a naval base during the 17th century, Rochefort boasts a well-preserved Old Town with narrow streets, museums, galleries, boutiques, parks, and gardens—and the occasional costumed villager. Here, you’ll settle into your hotel. As you enjoy dinner at your hotel restaurant, you can gaze at passing boats on the Charente River.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning Saint-Palais-sur-Mer to La Tremblade — 33 km (21 miles)

Afternoon La Tremblade to Brouage — 18 km (11 miles) | Brouage to Rochefort — 22 km (13 miles)

What to Expect: This morning’s route is mostly very gently rolling terrain. Some sections along the Atlantic Ocean follow narrow paved bike paths and roads with some car traffic. You will cycle small roads through the marshes of the oyster-farm region of Marennes-Oléron.The ride from Brouage to the Transporter Bridge is on mostly flat rural roads with some gentle hills. Cross the Charente River on the bridge’s gondola with your bike and continue riding to your hotel along the marshes and banks of the Charente River.

Cumulative Distance Range: 18 – 73 km (11 – 45 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning enjoy a leisurely breakfast before you begin cycling to Fouras on sections of La Vélodyssée and La Flow Vélo bike routes.

Spin along the Charente River and on country roads, passing canals, meadows, and villages en route to the charming seaside town of Fouras. Located on a small peninsula on the Charente-Maritime coast, Fouras attracts visitors for its beautiful beaches and pretty Belle Epoque villas. Here, you’ll find a lovely oceanfront promenade, beaches, a polygonal tower, a covered market, and boutiques. Explore this gem of a town at your leisure and enjoy lunch on your own.

After lunch, cycle back to Rochefort, where you’ll enjoy an included visit of Rochefort’s museum, la Corderie Royale, a 17th-century royal rope-making factory that was nearly destroyed during World War II. Today, it is a historic monument and International Centre of the Sea.

Dinner is at a local restaurant tonight.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning Rochefort to Fouras — 27 km (17 miles)

Afternoon Fouras to Rochefort — 20 km (12 miles)

What to Expect: Some sections of today’s route are unpaved. The morning ride traces the Charente River, then continues on flat, easy country roads to the town of Fouras. The afternoon route is similar with scenic variations.

Cumulative Distance Range: 20 – 47 km (12 – 29 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, leave Rochefort on your bicycle through small communes (villages) in the Charente-Maritime region reaching the shores of the Atlantic Ocean and the flora and fauna of the Marais d’Yves Nature Reserve. Pause along the Atlantic Ocean in Les Boucholeurs or Châtelaillon-Plage for lunch on your own.

After lunch, cycle along the ocean to the historic town of La Rochelle. Dating to the 10th century, this magnificent port town welcomes you with two iconic 14th-century towers and a harbor lined with elegant buildings. Today, the harbor serves as the yachting center of France’s Atlantic coast. Here, you’ll meet a local guide for a walking tour of the town. Take in panoramic views of the sea as you stroll its ancient ramparts, and explore the town’s winding cobblestone streets, medieval churches, and shops.

Then, rejoin your trip leaders for a shuttle or ride to Saint-Martin-de-Ré, which is notable for its star-shaped, 17th-century ramparts. This UNESCO World Heritage site, whose charming fortifications, half-timbered houses, colorful shutters, historic monuments, and donkeys in trousers are sure to captivate you.

Enjoy a short stroll through the cobbled streets to your hotel, where you may relax or sip a house cocktail. You may also arrange for a spa treatment (advance reservations recommended; contact the hotel directly) or reserve use of the counter-current pool, Jacuzzi, and sauna (service charge applies; 55-minute rental periods). Dinner is on your own tonight in Saint-Martin-de-Ré, where choices abound.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning Rochefort to Châtelaillon-Plage — 26 km (16 miles)

Afternoon Châtelaillon-Plage to La Rochelle — 17 km (10 miles) | La Rochelle to Saint-Martin-de Ré — 24 km (14 miles)

What to Expect: Enjoy country roads and coastal views for most of today’s ride. As you leave Rochefort, you’ll ride mostly on flat, paved roads, with a few stretches of cobblestone. Châtelaillon-Plage is a great place for lunch, with cafés, restaurants, a covered market, and stores. The afternoon ride is a mix of country roads and secondary roads. The ride from La Rochelle to Île de Ré offers beautiful views of the ocean and includes a 3-km (1.9-mile) bridge with a protected bike path on either side.

Cumulative Distance Range: 17 – 67 km (10 – 42 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast

During the 17th century, the Île de Ré was coveted by many for its position of military importance and its production of salt and wine, leaving a legacy of historic attractions and charming towns and villages that you can enjoy today. After a leisurely breakfast this morning, set off to explore the island. You’ll find that it was made for cycling! The island is flat, and its vineyards, pine forests and, at the more remote west end, oyster beds and salt marshes are crisscrossed with cycle paths that link its 10 small communities.

Start off your island excursion riding along the ocean and through the salt marshes. Pause in Ars-en-Ré for lunch in a local café. After lunch, continue to the youngest village on the island, Saint-Clément-des-Baleines. Salt, wine, and fishing are the longtime mainstays of the economy here. A cyclist paradise, the bike paths take you past dry stone walls and fields of colorful wildflowers, including hollyhocks – the flower of the island. As you ride you may catch a whiff of sulphur from the salt marshes. Highlights of the island include the 15th-century locks, the local market, and the Phare des Baleines lighthouse, which you are welcome to climb (257 steps) for sweeping Atlantic views. Then, follow the bike path and bike routes back to Saint-Martin. Climb the bell tower of Saint-Martin Church for one last glimpse of this stone star between land and sea, a UNESCO World Heritage site and part of the Network of Major Sites built by Vauban.

Tonight, gather with your travel mates to sip an aperitif as the sun sets behind the horizon. Then, celebrate your journey and share reminiscences over a festive farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning Saint-Martin to Ars-en-Ré — 21 km (13 miles)

Afternoon Ars-en-Ré to Le Phare — 12 km (7 miles) | Le Phare to Saint-Martin — 23 km (14 miles)

What to Expect: The entirety of today’s route follows flat terrain as you cycle to Saint-Clément-des-Baleines. It is a lovely, lovely ride mostly on paved bike paths–a real paradise for bicyclists. Then, cycle back to Saint-Martin on bike paths and routes.

Cumulative Distance Range: 12 – 55 km (7 – 34 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, travel to La Rochelle train station by private motorcoach, arriving at approximately 10:30 a.m.

Important: Train departures from La Rochelle train station prior to 11:00 a.m. are not recommended. If you depart earlier, you must make transportation arrangements from the last hotel at your own expense. Taxi cost to the La Rochelle train station is approximately €49-62 (travel time approximately 45 minutes).

Included Meals: Breakfast